Andrew Flintoff feels that England can still harbour realistic hopes of winning the third Test after a thrilling fourth day's play at Edgbaston.

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Australia closed on 88 for two in their second innings, still 25 runs behind and that is enough for Flintoff to feel optimistic.

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"It's a game we can definitely win. It's going to be tough but the first session is going to be massive for both sides.

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"We have to be confident although patience is key."

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Flintoff top-scored for England with a near run-a-ball 74 as England made 376 in reply to Australia's 263. That knock, and that of Stuart Broad, who made 55, helped give England the edge on day four. But Flintoff struggled when he got the ball in his hand, rarely threatening in his four overs.

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"It would have been nice to have started a bit better with the ball," he added.

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"The new ball has been strange here. It seems to do more when the lacquer has gone. I got rid of the shine for Graham Onions."

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Words were exchanged between batsmen and fielders in the closing stages of the day's play, but Flintoff played it down by saying, "It's competition, isn't it? We can see what it means to both sides. A few people's beans were going. It's competition and that's coming across."